The gifted dancers of Ladies’ College are all set to unveil a long-length dance drama depicting the classical Sanskrit love story of “Sakuntala”, Directed and choreographed by Vasana Dharmadasa, assisted by Chithrangani Elpitiya; both who are staff members of the school. The cast of fifty, ranges from promising dancers as young as eight years to those on the verge of leaving school and have been rehearsing tirelessly for over three months.

“Every student has in built confidence when it comes to performance on stage. This is why it is easy to coordinate with the students”, said Vasana commenting on the success of turning a dream into reality. The cast is backed by a professional team with playback music composed by Sujith Gamage, costumes by Ravi Bandu Vidyapathi and Make up by Jagath Padmasiri. “Music is a crucial part of dance drama,” added Vasana, who handcrafted the lyrics and script of “Sakuntala”.

A glimpse to the key events of the dance drama was sufficient proof that the alluring dance movement stirs emotion together with the music that enhances the portrayal and communication of the progress and climax of King Dushyantha and Sakuntala’s love. Considering that dance drama based on ancient legendary writings is a rarity in the present day, this is definitely a must-watch.

 “Sakuntala” is a classical love story from the Mahabharatha dramatized by Kalidasa - a classical Sanskrit writer. Sakuntala is the daughter of the Sage Vishawamitra and the Apsara Menaka and is left a newborn in the forest by Menaka later found and adopted by Rishi Kanva. The baby is found surrounded by birds and is therefore given the name “Sakuntala” [‘Sakun’ meaning ‘birds’ in Sanskrit].

King Dushyantha and his friend Vidushaka come hunting in the forest when the hermits stop him hunting a deer. Sakuntala and her friends return from their bath and fall prey to an attack by a swarm of bees. The King rescues them and in turn falls in love with Sakuntala. They marry according to Gandharva traditions and the King returns to his palace giving Sakuntala a ring promising to return for her.

Sakuntala disrespects the powerful Rishi Durvasa who curses the most sacred part of her life – her bond with King Dushyantha. The curse included the king remembering Sakuntala only on showing him a token of his affection. When Dushyantha does not return to the forest for her Sakuntala goes in search of the King. In the pursuit of her lover, she loses the ring; thereby losing ocular proof the King’s affection and as per the curse, at the palace King Dushyantha rejects Sakuntala.

Will this mark the end of a legendary love story? In whose arms or where will Sakuntala seek refuge? Will she be re-united with the token of King Dushyantha’s love? Will the discovery of the lost ring lead to the redemption of their love? Come find out on the 25^th of October 2013 at the Ladies’ College Auditorium at 7 p.m. as the epic saga of “Sakuntala” unfolds through graceful dance! Tickets are priced at Rs. 750 and Rs.1000 and are available at the school office.

Here’s what the protagonists of the play had to say:

Biseka Wikramanayake who enacts the role of Sakuntala said, “It’s a new experience. Dance drama is something new to me and is also the highlight of my dancing career in school. Everything in the play is alive. There is so much emotion and the feelings are overwhelming.”

King Dushyantha brought to life by Shannon Marcin said, “Dance drama is a first for me and it has been a lot of fun working with a cross section of fellow students in school. Playing a male role was a challenge and took me a few weeks to get into character. The play is our love story.”

The character of the deer is played by Suhini Dissanayake and commenting on her role in the play she said, “Sakuntala is a lover of nature and I am thus one of her favourites. I bring King Dushyantha and Sakuntala together because it is when the king comes hunting that he rescues Sakuntala and then falls in love with her. It’s a different aspect of dancing and I find it an exciting role!”

By Sapthika Jacob